DEFLECTION OF BEAMS

 A beam is a horizontal structural member designed to carry and transfer

loads from the upper part of the structure to the columns below.
 The application of lateral loads to a beam will cause it to deform in a mode
called bending. Bending makes the beam to deflect from its original
position.
 Excessive deflection causes damage to fittings and finishes; therefore, the
designer needs to check that the deflection of the beam is within the
accepted limits.
 The stiffness of the beam is a measure of the resistance to deformation.
When a beam section is subjected to pure bending, it is assumed to bend in
E M
the form of a circular arc having radius of curvature R such that R = I or
EI
M= , Where EI is a constant known as a modulus of rigidity, which varies
R
depending on the nature of the beam.

 Where θ1 and θ2 is the angle made by the bent longitudinal axis of the
beam and the original line of the unbent longitudinal axis. y C is the
deflection at point C of the beam.

MATHEMATICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BENDING MOMENT, SLOPE

AND DEFLECTION.
E M
 From the equation of simple pure bending. R = I .Where, M =¿ bending

moment of a section units Nm

E = Modulus of elasticity. N /mm2
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I = second moment of area of the section mm

4

R = Radius of curvature. mm
  When both E and I are constants for a given section, M and R are the only
EI
variables and the expression for M = R .
 The deflection of the member y is a function of the radius of curvature,
2 2
d y 1 d y
then,
dx
2
∝
R
( dx
2 is the second derivative of the deflection).

2
d y
 Then 2 . Where x is the distance along the length of the beam to
M =EI
dx
the position of the bending moment M to determine the deflection of the
beam.
2
d y
 Bending moment expression, M x =EI 2.
dx
2
dy d y
 Slope expression, dx ∫ = M =∫ dx 2 .
EI
2
d y
 Deflection expression, ∬
y= M =∬ dx 2
EI

METHODS OF DETERMINING SLOPE AND DEFLECTION.

 There are many methods of determining the slope and the deflection of a
loaded beam. The common ones are;
a. Double integration method.
b. Macaulay’s method.
c. Moment area method.

1. Double integration method

 To determine the deflection of a beam using this method, you first need to
determine the bending moment equation at a given point i.e., X .
Integrating the bending moment equation, you get the slope equation then
integrating this slope equation again you end up with the deflection
equation.

DEFLECTION OF A SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM WITH A POINT LOAD AT THE

MID-POINT
 A simply supported beam AB of length L and carrying a point load W at the
2

centre as shown.
Page
 W
 The reactions at A and B, R A =R B= 2
Consider point X at a distance x from support A.
Wx
The Bending moment at point X , M X =R A × x= 2
2
d y
 Also, the B.M at X is given by, M X =EI
dx
2

 Equating the two equations of the B.M, we get bending moment equation.
2
d y Wx
EI 2
= -------------------------------------------------------(i)
dx 2

Slope equation
 Integrating the bending moment equation above,
2
d y Wx
EI 2
=
dx 2

2
dy W x
 We get, EI = × +C 1
dx 2 2
2
dy W x
Or EI = + C1 -----------------------------------------------------(ii)
dx 4
Where C 1 is the constant of integration, its value is obtained from the
L dy
boundary condition; At C , x= 2 , dx =0 ,
 Substituting this boundary condition into equation (ii)
2
dy W x
EI = + C1
dx 4

()
2
W L
EI ( 0 )= × + C1
4 2
2
WL
3

0= + C1
16
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 2
−W L
C 1=
16
2
−W L
 Substituting the value of C 1= into equation (ii), we get.
16
2 2
dy W x W L
EI = − -----------------------Slope equation
dx 4 16
 The above equation is known as the slope equation and it can be used to
determine the slope at any point of the beam by substituting the values
of x , E , W ∧I .

Maximum slope of the beam

 Slope at A. Substituting x=0 into the slope equation.
2 2
dy Wx WL
EI at A= −
dx 4 16
2 2
W (0) W L
EI i A = −
4 16
2
−W L
i A=
16 EI
2
−W L
 i A=i B= (because of symmetry of loading)
16 EI
NB: Angle is in radians

Maximum deflection equation

 Integrating the slope equation above.
2 2
dy W x W L
EI = −
dx 4 16
 we get
3 2
W x WL
EI y = × − × x +C 2 -----------------------------------(iv)
4 3 16
3 2
Wx WL
EI y = − x +C 2
12 16

 Where C 2 is another constant of integration. Its value is obtained from the

boundary condition, i.e. at A x=0 , y=0
 Substituting into the equation.
3 2
Wx WL
EI y = − x +C 2
4

12 16
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W ( 0 ) W L2
EI (0)= − (0)+C 2
12 16
 0=0−0+C2
C 2=0

 Then, the deflection at any point of a simply supported beam is given by

the equation.
3 2
Wx WL
EI y = − x --------------------------------Deflection equation
12 16

Maximum deflection of simply supported beam carrying a point load at

the mid-point
 The maximum deflection occurs at the mid-point of the beam, i.e. At
L L
C , when x= . Substituting into the equation
2 2

() ()
3 2
W L WL L
EI y Max = × − ×
12 2 16 2
3 3
WL WL
EI y Max = −
96 48
3
−W L
y Max=
48 EI
Note: Negative sign shows that deflection is downward.

EXAMPLE
A beam 6 m long simply supported at its ends carries a point load of 50 KN
at its mid-point. The moment of inertia of the beam is given as equal to 78
x 106 mm4 and the Youngs modulus of elasticity E = 2.1 x 105 N/mm2,
Calculate, (i) Deflection at the centre of the beam and (ii) Slope at the
supports.
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 Solution
 Using the equations for slope at the supports and maximum deflection;
(i) Maximum deflection is given by,
3
−W L
y Max=
48 EI
3
50,000 × 6,000
¿ 5 6
=−13.736 mm
48 ×2.1 ×10 ×78 10

(ii) Deflection at the supports

2 3
−W L ¿− 50,000 ×6,000
i A=i B= 3 6
16 EI 16 × 2.6 ×10 ×78 ×10
¿ 0.06868 Radians

DEFLECTION OF A SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM WITH A UNIFORMLY

DISTRIBUTED LOAD
Consider a simply supported beam L metres long carrying a uniformly distributed load
throughout the entire length of the beam as shown below.

 Consider a section X at a distance x from A.

The bending moment at this section is given by,
2
x ωL ωx
M X =R A × x−ω × x × = x−
2 2 2
2
d y
 But the bending moment is also given by, M X =EI 2
dx
2 2
d y ωL ωx
Equating the two values, EI 2 = 2 x− 2 ----------------------------(i)
dx
 Integrating the above equation, we get.
6

2 3
dy ωL x ω x
Page

EI = × − ×
dx 2 2 2 3
 2 3
dy ωL x ω x
EI = − +C 1-----------------------------------------(ii)
dx 4 6
 Where C 1 is the constant of integration obtained by substituting the
L dy
boundary condition, x= 2 and dx =0 into equation (i)
dy ωL 2 ω 3
I.e. EI dx = 4 x − 6 x +C 1

() ()
2 3
ωL L ω L
EI ( 0 )= × − × +C 1
4 2 6 2
3 3
ωL ωL
0= − + C1
16 48
2
2ω L
0= + C1
48
3
−ω L
C 1=
24
 Then, the slope equation for determining the slope at any point of the
beam is expressed as,
3
dy ωL 2 ω 3 ω L
EI = x− x− --------------------------(iii)
dx 4 6 24

Slope at the support A

 Substitute x=¿ 0 into the above slope equation, we get.
3
dy ω L 2 ω ( )3 ω L
EI at A= (0) − 0 –
dx 4 6 24
3
ωL
EI i A =0−0 –
24
3
−ω L
i A=
24 EI
3
−ω L
 But , i A=iB= ( Load is symmetrically applied)
24 EI
Integrating the slope equation above again,
3
dy ω L 2 ω 3 ω L
EI = x− x− , we get
dx 4 6 24
3 4 3
× x + C2
ω L x ω x ωL
EI y = × − × −
4 3 6 4 24
3
x + C2
ωL 3 ω 4 ω L
EI y = x− x −
7

12 24 24
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  C 2 is the constant of integration obtained by substituting the boundary
condition x=0 , y=0
3
ω L ( )3 ω ( )4 ω L
EI (0)= 0 − 0 − (0) + C 2
12 24 24
0=0−0−0 + C 2
C 2=0
 Then, the deflection equation is,
ωL 3 ω 4 ω
EI y = x− x − x
12 24 24
L
 Maximum deflection occurs at the mid-point of the beam at C, i.e at x= 2
L
 Substitute x= 2 into the deflection equation

() ()
3 4 3
ωL L w L ωL L
EI y max = − − ×
12 2 24 2 24 2
4 4 4
ωL ωL ωL
EI y max = − −
96 384 48
4
−5 ω L
y max =
384 EI

EXAMPLE
A beam of length 5 meters carries a uniformly distributed load of 5 KN/m
throughout the entire length of the beam. If given that E = 2.1 x 10 5 N/mm2
and I = 6.0 x 106 mm4, find.
(i) Slope at the supports.
(ii) Maximum deflection.

Solution
 Given, L= 5 m, E = 2.1 x 105 N/mm2, I = 6 x 106 mm4, ω = 5 KN/m or , ω =
5N/mm
 Slope at support A = Slope at support B
3 3
−ω L ¿− 5 ×5000
i A=i B= 5 6
24 EI 24 ×2.1 ×10 ×6.0 ×10
¿ 0.0207 radians
8

(i) Maximum deflection at the mid-point

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 4 4
−5 ω L −5 5 ×5000
y max = = =32.29 mm
384 EI 384 2.1×10 5 × 6.0× 106

MACAULAY’S METHOD OF SLOPE AND DEFLECTION

 The double integration method is very laborious especially when dealing
with eccentrically loaded beams. A convenient method of determining the
deflection of a beam due to applied loads was devised by H. Macaulay,
hence called Macaulay’s method.
 This method mainly consists of a special manner in which the bending
moment at any section is expressed and the way integration is carried out.

Assumptions made in Macaulay’s method of deflection

1. All joints are rigid i.e angle between any two members in
a joint does not change even after deformation due to
loading.
2. Distortions due to axial deformation are neglected.
3. Shear deformations are neglected

EXAMPLE 1
The figure below shows a simply supported beam 6 metres long carrying
two-point loads of 20 KN and 30 KN at 3 metres and 4 metres from support
A respectively. Given that E=2.5 ×104 N /mm 2 and I =6 ×10 6 mm 4 , determine;
i. Slope at support A
ii. Deflection at point C
iii. Maximum deflection.
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Solution
 Taking moments about A
 RB x 6 = 20 x 3 + 30 x 4
6RB = 60 + 120
RB = 30 KN
RA = 20 KN
 Consider appoint at a point X from point A
BM at X = RA x X ⁞ -20 (x – 3) ⁞ -30 (x – 4)
2
d y
Also, BM at x Mx = EI dx
2

2
d y
Then EI dx
2
=20 x ⁞−20 ( x−3 ) ⁞−30(x−4)

= 20 x ⁞−20 ( x−3 ) −30( x−4)

 Integrating both sides we get.

2 2
d 2 y 20 2 ( x−3 ) (x−4)
EI 2
= x +C 1 ⁞−20 ⁞−30
dx 2 2 2

dy
=10 x +C 1 ⁞−10 ( x−3 ) ⁞−15 ( x−4 ) ---------- (i)
2 2 2
EI
dx
 Integrating the above equation again we get:
3 3
dy 10 3 ( x −3 ) ( x−4)
EI = x + C1 x+C 2 ⁞−10 ⁞−15
dx 3 3 3
EI y =3.333 x +C 1 x +C 2 ⁞−3.333 ( x −3 ) ⁞−5(x−4) ---------(ii)
3 3 3

 The boundary conditions: At A x=0, y = 0 and at B, x = 6 and y = 0.

Substituting the value of x = 0, y = 0 up to the first dotted line.
EI ( 0 )=3.333 ( 0 ) +C 1 ( 0 )+C 2
C 2=0
 Substituting x = 6, y =0 into equation the whole of equation ii
3 3 3
EI (0)=3.333 ( 6 ) +C 1 (6)+(0)⁞−3.333 ( 6−3 ) ⁞−5(6−4)
dy 3 3 3
EI =3.333(6) +C 1 ( 6 ) ⁞−3.333(3) ⁞−5 (2)
dx
0=719.928+6 C 1−89.991−40
0=589.937+6 C 1
C 1=−98.32
10

dy
=10 x −98.32 ⁞−10 ( x−3 ) ⁞−15(x−4) ------------- Is the slope equation
2 2 2
EI
dx
Page
 EI y =3.333 x −98.32⁞−3.333 ( x−3 ) ⁞−5 (x−4 ) ---------Is the deflection
3 3 3

equation
 Slope at A: Substitute x = 0
dy 2
EI =10(0) −98.32
dx

4 6 9
2.5 x 10 x 6 x 10 x i A =−98.32 x 10

9
−98.32 x 10
i A= 4 6 ¿ 0.6533 radians
2.5 x 10 x 6 x 10

(i) Deflection at the point C: Substitute x = 3 m up to the dotted line of the

deflection equation:
3
EI y C =3.333(3) −98.32(3)
4 6
2.5 x 10 x 6 x 10 x y C =89.991 – 294.96 ¿−204.969 x 1012
12
−204.96 x 10
6 = 1.366 mm
y C= 4
2.5 x 10 x 6 x 10
dy
(ii) Maximum deflection occurs between C and D at the point where dx =0.
dy
Substitute dx =0 up to the second dotted line of the slope equation.

dy 2 2
EI =10 x −98.32−10 ( x−3 )
dx

2 2
0=10 x −98.32−10 ( x−3 )

2 2
0=10 x −98.32−10(x −6 x+ 9)

0 = 10 x 2−98.32−10 x 2 +60 x−90 ¿

0=−188.32+60 x

x=3.14 m
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  To determine maximum deflection: Substitute x = 3.14 m up to the second
dotted line of deflection equation.
3 3
EI y max =3.333(3.14 ) −98.32(3.14 )−3.333 ( 0.14 )
¿ 103.187−308.725−0.00915
4 6 12
2.5 x 10 x 6 x 10 x y max=−205.547 x 10

12
−205.547 x 10
y max = 4
2.5 x 10 x 6 x 10
6 = 1370 mm

EXAMPLE 2
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  Taking moments about A
RB x 6 = 120 x 3 + 80 x 7
10RB = 120 x 3 + 80 x 7
RB = 92 KN
RA = 200 – 92 = 108 KN
Consider appoint at a point X from point A
BM at X = RA x x ⁞ -120 (x – 3) ⁞ -80 (x – 7)
2
d y
 Also, BM at X Mx = EI 2
dx
2
d y
Then EI 2 =108 x ⁞−120 ( x−3 ) ⁞−80(x−4)
dx
Integrating both sides we get.
2 2 2
dy 108 x −120( x −3) (x−7)
EI = +C 1 ⁞ ⁞−80
dx 2 2 2
dy
EI
dx = 54 x 2 +C1 ⁞−60( x−3)2−40(x−7)2
 Integrating the above equation again we get:
3 3
54 3 ( x−3 ) ( x−7)
EI y = x + C1 x+C 2 ⁞−60 ⁞−40
3 3 3
EI y =18 x +C 1 x +C 2 ⁞−20 ( x −3 ) ⁞−13.333(x−7) ---------- (i)
3 3 3

3 3
dy 10 3 ( x −3 ) ( x−4)
EI = x + C1 x+C 2 ⁞−10 ⁞−15
dx 3 3 3
EI y =3.333 x +C 1 x +C 2 ⁞−3.333 ( x −3 ) ⁞−5(x−4) ---------(ii)
3 3 3

 The boundary conditions: At A x=0, y = 0 and at B, x = 10 and y = 0.

Substituting the value of x = 0, y = 0 up to the first dotted line of equation
(ii).
EI ( 0 )=18 ( 0 ) +C 1 ( 0 )+C 2
C 2=0
Substituting x = 10, y =0 into equation the whole of equation ii
3 3 3
EI (0)=18 ( 10 ) +C 1(10)−20 (10−3 ) ⁞−13.33 (10−7)
0=18,000+10 C1−6860⁞−359.991
0=10780.01+10 C1
13

C 1=−1078
dy
Page

=54 x −1078 ⁞−60 ( x −3 ) ⁞−40 (x−7) ---------- Is the slope equation

2 2 2
EI
dx
 EI y =18 x −1078 x ⁞−20 ( x−3 ) ⁞−13.333(x−7) ---------Is the deflection
3 3 3

equation

 Deflection of the beam under 80 KN load. Substitute x = 3 m up to dotted

line of the deflection equation:
3 3
EI y at 80 KN =18 x −1078 x ⁞−20 ( x −3 )
3 3
¿ 18(7) −1078(7)⁞−20 ( 7−3 )
¿ 6,174−7546−1280=−2652
12
−2652 x 10
y at 80 KN = 4 7 = 82.875 mm
2 x 10 x 160 x 10

EXAMPLE 3
A beam of length 6 m is simply supported at its ends. It carries a uniformly
distributed load of 2 KN/m throughout the entire length as shown in the
figure below. Given that, E=2.5 x 104 N /mm 2 and I =6 x 10 6 mm4 Determine;
i. Slope at the supports.
ii. The maximum deflection of the beam.
14
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 Taking moments about A

 6
R B × 6=2× 6 × ¿
2
6 R B=36 KN
R B=6 KN
 Therefore R A =Total load−R B
¿ ( 2 ×6 )−6= 6 KN

 Consider a point X at the distance x from the support A

x 2
 BM at X, M X = R A × x ⁞−2× x × 2 =6 x ⁞−x
2
d y
Also, BM at X, M X = EI 2
dx
2
d y 2
Then EI 2
=6 x ⁞−x
dx
 Integrating both sides we get.
2 3
dy 6 x x
EI = +C1 ⁞−
dx 2 2
dy
EI = 3 x 2+C 1 ⁞−0.3333 x 3 -----------------------(i)
dx
 Integrating the above equation again we get:
3 4
x x
EI y =3 +C 1 x +C 2 ⁞−0.3333
3 3
EI y =x +C 1 x +C 2 ⁞−0.0833 x ---------------- (ii)
3 4

Where C 1 and C 2 are constants of integration. Their values can be obtained

from the boundary conditions.
At x = 0, y = 0 and at x = 8, y = 0
 Substituting x = 0 and y = 0 up to dotted line of equation (ii)
3
EI ( 0 )=(0) +C 1 (0)+C2
C 2=0
 Substituting x = 6 and y = 0 into the whole equation (ii) as DE lies on the last
part of the beam
EI ( 0 )=( 6 )3 +C 1 ( 6 )−0.0833(6)
0=216+6 C 1−0.5
0=215.50+6 C 1
C 1=−35.92
15

dy 2 3
EI =3 x −35.92⁞−0.3333 x ------Slope equation
Page

dx
 EI y=x 3−35.92 x ⁞−0.08333 x 4 -----Deflection equation
(i) Slope at point A
Substitute x = 0 up to the first dotted line of the slope equation

dy 2
EI at A=3 (0) −35.92
dx
4 6 9
2.5 ×10 × 6 ×10 ×i A =−35.92 ×10
9
−35.92 ×10
i A= 4 6
=−0.2394 radians
2.5 ×10 ×6 ×10

 Slope at point A; Substitute x = 6 into the whole of the slope equation

dy 2 3
EI at B=3(6) −35.92 ( 0 )−0.3333(6)
dx
4 6
2.5 ×10 × 6 ×10 ×i B=108−35.92−71.993
9
−0.0872×10
iB = 4 6
=0.00058 radians
2.5 ×10 ×6 ×10
 Maximum deflection occurs at the Centre of the beam, i.e., at x = 6
substitute x = 6 m up to dotted line of the deflection equation.
3
EI y max =(3) −35.92
4 6
2.5 ×10 × 6 ×10 × y max=27−35.92 ¿−8.92× 1012
12
−8.92 ×10
y max = 4 6
=−59.467 mm
2.5× 10 ×6 × 10

EXAMPLE 4
A beam of length 8 m is simply supported at its ends. It carries a uniformly
distributed load of 40 KN/m as shown in the figure below. Given that,
E=2 x 10 N /mm and I =4.3 x 10 mm Determine;
5 2 8 4

i. Slope at point D
ii. the deflection of the beam at its mid-point
16
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 SOLUTION
4
 R B x 8=40 x 4 x ( +1)
2
R B=60 KN
Therefore R A =Total load−R B= 100 KN
 In order to obtain the general expression for the bending moment at a
distance x from the left end A, it is necessary to extend the uniformly
distributed load upto the support B compensating with an equal upward
load of 40 KN/m over the span DB.

 Now the Macaulay’s method can be applied.

Consider a point X at a distance x from A. The B.M at X is given by.
( x−1 ) (x−5)
M x =R A × x ⁞−40 ( x−1 ) × ⁞ +40 × ( x−5 ) ×
2 2
2
d y
Also, Mx = EI 2
dx
 Then substituting the two equations.
2
d y ( x−1 ) ( x−5)
EI 2
=R A × x ⁞−40 ( x−1 ) × ⁞+ 40 × ( x−5 ) ×
dx 2 2
2
d y 2 2
EI 2
=100 x ⋮ −20 ( x−1 ) ⋮ +20 ( x−5 )
dx
 Integrating the above equation, we get
2 3 3
( x−1 ) ( x−5 )
EI dy =100 × x +C1 ⁞−20 × ⁞+20 ×
dx 2 3 3
dy 2 3 3
EI =50 x +C 1 ⁞−6.667 ( x−1 ) ⁞+6.667(x −5) -----------(i)
dx
 Integrating again, we get
3 4 4
( x−1 ) (x −5)
EI y=50 x +C 1 x +C 2 ⁞−6.667 ⁞+6.667
3 4 4

EI y=16.667 x 3 +C 1 x +C 2 ⁞−1.6667(x−1)4 ⁞+1.6667 (x−5)4--------(ii)

17

Where C 1 and C 2 are constants of integration. Their values can be obtained

Page

from the boundary conditions.

  At x = 0, y = 0 and (ii) At x = 8, y = 0
Substituting x = 0 and y = 0
0+C 1 +C2 =0
C 2=0
 Substituting x = 8 and y = 0 into the whole equation (ii) as DE lies on the last
part of the beam
EI y=16.667 x 3 +C 1 x +C 2 ⁞−1.6667(x−1)4 ⁞+1.6667 (x−5)4

3 4 4
0=16.667(8) +C 1 (8)+ C2 ⁞−1.6667 (8−1) ⁞+1.6667 (8−5)

 0=8533.504+ 8C 1−4002.467+135.0027

 0=4,666.04 +8 C1

 C 1=−583.25
Substituting the value of C 1 and C 1 into equation (i) and (ii)
dy 2 3 3
EI =50 x +−583.25 ⁞−6.667 ( x−1 ) ⁞ +6.667(x−5) ------Slope equation
dx

EI y=16.667 x 3−583.25 x ⁞−1.6667 ( x−1)4 ⁞+1.6667(x−5) 4---Deflection equation

(ii) Slope at point D
Substitute x = 5 up to the second dotted line of the slope equation
EI y at D=16.667(5)3−583.25( 5)−1.6667(5−1) 4
EI i D =2,083.375−2,916.25−426.675
9
−3059.55 × 10
iD = 5 8
=−0.03558 radians
2× 10 × 4.3 ×10
(iii) Deflection at the centre. Substitute x = 4 up to second dotted line of the
deflection equation
3 4
EI y at the centre=16.667 ( 4 ) −583.25 ( 4 )−1.6667 ( 4−1 )
EI y at the centre=1,066.669−2,333−135.0027
12
EI y at the centre=−1,401.3337 ×10
12
−1,401.3337 × 10
18

y at the Centre = 5 8
=−16.29 mm
2× 10 ×4.3 × 10
Page
 MOMENT AREA METHOD
 This method of finding the slope and the deflection of a beam was devised
by Mohr and the area of the bending moment diagram is used as described
by the Mohr’s theorems:
 Mohr’s theorem I: The change of slope between any two points is equal to
the net area of the bending moment diagram between the two points
divided by EI.
A
i at free end =
EI

 Mohr’s theorem II. The total deflection between any two points is equal to
the moment of area of the bending moment diagram between the two
points about the last point (i.e B) divided by EI.
A ×x
y at free end∨Max =
EI
 The moment of area is conveniently used for the following cases.
(i) Cantilevers.
(ii) Simply supported beams carrying symmetrical loading (zero slope at the
centre)
(iii) Beams fixed at the centre.
Factors affecting deflection
 Tensile strength of a material.
 Youngs modulus of elasticity
 Intensity of loading
 Span of the beam
 Moment of inertia of a material.
 Nature of Loading
 Cracking
 Shrinkage curvature.
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 (i) Cantilever with a point load at the free end
Consider a cantilever AB of length l carrying a point load W at the free end as shown.

B.M DIAGRAM
B. M. at A = W x L
2
1 −W L
Area of the B. m diagram = ×W × L× L=
2 2

And the distance between C.G of the B.M diagram at B,

2
x= × L
3
2
−W L
iB = radians
2 EI
2
−W L 2
× L
A× x 2 3
yB= =
EI EI
3
−W L
y max =
3 EI
20
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 EXAMPLE
 A cantilever of length 2m carries a point load of 20 KN at the free end and
another load of 20 KN at its centre. If E = 105 N/mm2 and I = 108 mm4 for the
cantilever, determine by moment area method, the slope and the
deflection of the cantilever at the free end.

Solution
Sketch the B. m, M below the Load diagram

Bending moment at B = 20 ×1=20 KNm

B.M at A= 20 x 2 + 20 x 1 = 60 KNm
1 2
Area 1 A1 = 2 ×20 ×1=10 KN m
1
21

2
Area 2 A2 = 2 ×20 ×1=20 KN m
1
Page

2
Area 3 A1 = 2 × 40 ×1=20 KN m
 Total area of the B. M diagram = 10 + 20 + 20 = - 50 KNm2

A −50,000,000,000
(i) Then i C = EI = 5 8
10 × 10
¿−0.005 rad

A× x
(ii) yB=
EI
Where x is given by ‘
A x= A1 x 1+ A 2 x 2 + A 3 x 3

¿ 10 × ( 23 ×1)+20(1+ 12 )+20 × (1+ 23 ×1)

13 2
¿ 7 ×10 Nmm

Substituting this into the value into the equation.

A× x
y B = y max =
EI
13
7 ×10
¿ 5 8 ¿ 7 mm
10 × 10

(iii) Cantilever with uniformly distributed load

 Consider a cantilever AB of length L and carrying a point load ω per unit
length as shown.
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 B. M at B = 0
2
−W L
B. M at point A =
2
2 3
1 WL WL
Area of BMD = × × L=
3 2 6
3
And the distance between the C.G of the B.M diagram and B, x= 4 L
3
A −ω L
Then from Mohr’s theorem i, the slope is given i B = =
EI 6 EI
3
ω L 3L
×
The deflection at B y = y = A x = 6 4 −ω L
=
4

max B
EI EI 8 EI

EXAMPLE
23
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 The figure below shows a cantilever carrying a uniformly distributed load of 5
KN/m throughout the entire length of the beam and a concentrated load of 20 KN
at the free end. Determine;
(i) The slope of the beam at the free end.
(ii) The maximum deflection of the beam.

Solution.
Sketch the bending moment diagrams for the two loadings.
24
Page
  B. M at the point A of figure A1 due the point load ¿ 20 ×6=120 KNm
1 2
 Area of B.M diagram, figure A1 ¿ 2 ×6 m ×120 KNm=360 KN m
6 2
 B.M at the point A of figure A2 due to the u.d.l = 5 KN /m× 6 m× 2 m=90 KN m
1 2
 Area of the B.M diagram, figure A1 = 3 × 90× 6=180 KN m
A A 1+ A 2
 Slope at the free end. From Mohr’s theorem, i B = =
EI EI
( 360+180 ) KNm 540 ×10
9
¿ = 5 7
=−0.00375rads
EI 2.4 × 10 × 6.0 ×10
A 1 × x1 + A2 × x 2
 Deflection at the free end of the cantilever, y max =
EI
9 2 9 3
360× 10 × ×6000+ 180× 10 × ×6000
3 4
¿ 5 8
2.4 × 10 × 6.0 ×10

15
2.25 ×10
¿ 5 8
=−15.625 mm
2.4 ×10 ×6.0 × 10
25
Page

EXAMPLE ( Knec March 2020)

 Solution: Sketch the B.M diagram for the beam
26

Bending moment diagram of figure A1

Page

 B. M at the point A of figure A1 due the 5 KN point load ¿ 5 ×2=10 KNm

 1 2
 Area of B.M diagram, figure A1 ¿ 2 ×2 m× 10 KN m=20 KN m
Bending moment diagram of figure A2
 B. M at the point A of figure A2 due the 2 KN point load ¿ 1.5 ×2=3 KNm
1 2
 Area of B.M diagram, figure A2 ¿ 2 ×1.5 m ×3 KN m=2.25 KN m
Bending moment diagram of figure A3
 B.M at the point A of figure A3 due to the u.d.l =
1 KN 1.5 2
× 1.5 m× m=−1.125 KN m
m 2
1 KN 2
 Area of the B.M diagram, figure A1 = 3 ×1.125 m ×1.5=−0.5625 KN m
 Deflection at the free end of the cantilever,
A 1 × x1 + A2 × x 2 × A 3 × x 3
y max =
EI

¿
2 2
3 ( ) 3
(
20 KN m3 × ×2 m+ 2.25 KNm 2 × ×1.5 m+0.5 m + 1.125 KNm3 × ×1.5 m+0.5 m
3 4 )
EI

3
5.223 KN m
¿−
EI

EXAMPLE (KNEC July 2017)

(a) Figure 1 is simply supported beam carrying a point load as shown.

From Mohr’s principle prove that.

2
−W L
(i) Maximum slope of the beam, θmax =
16 EI
3
−W L
(ii) Maximum deflection of the beam, max
y =
48 EI
27

(b) A simply supported beam of span 3 m is subjected to a constant point load

of 10 KN. By using Q 1 above, determine.
Page

(i) The maximum slope of the beam.

 (ii) The maximum deflection of the beam.
Take I =12 x 106 mm 4 and E=200 x 103 N /mm2
Solution

 Maximum slope of the beam = θ A −θ B But θC

Area of the BMD between A∧C
Slope at A = EI
L L WL
× × 2
2 2 4 −W L
¿ =
EI 16 EI

 Maximum deflection = Difference in elevation between A and C =

y C− y A

Moment of area of the BMD about A

¿
EI
2
WL 2 L 3
× × −W L
16 3 2 ¿
¿ 48 EI
EI
2 2
−W L 10000 X 3000
(c) imax = =
16 EI 16 X 200 X 10 3 X 12 X 106

2 3
−w L −10000 X 3000
y max ¿ =
48 EI 48 X 200 X 103 X 12 X 106
28

EXAMPLE 2
Page
 The figure below shows a simply supported beam carrying a concentrated load at
the mid-span.

Using moment area method, determine:

(a) The maximum deflection.
(b) The slope and the deflection at the quarter span point D. Take E =80 x 10 3
KNm2

Solution

BM at mid-span = 200 KN x 4 m
= 800 KNm
Maximum deflection at the center of the beam = Difference in deflection between
A and C
Area of BM between A∧C × x
y max =
EI
1 2
x 4 m× 800 KNm × × 4 m 4,266.67 ×10
12

=2 3 = 3
80 x 10 ×10
9
29

3 9
80 ×10 × 10
Page

= 53.33 mm
 Deflection at the quarter span D = Difference in deflection between D and C.
Area of BMD between D∧C × X
= EI
1 2
Area of triangle CDE = 2 x 400 KNm x 2m=400 KN m

1 2
Area of triangle CFE = 2 x 800 KNm x 2 m=800 KN m

2 1 2 2
Moment of BM about D = 400 KN m x 3 x 2 m+ 800 KN m x 3 x 2 m

= 266.67 + 1,066.67
= 1,333.333 x 1012
12
1,333.333 X 10
θD = 3 9 = 16.67 mm
80 x 10 x 10

Deflection at D, y D=53.33−16.67
¿ 36.66 mm

(ii) At the quarter span, difference in slope between D and C

Area of BM diagram between D∧C
¿
EI

( 400+800 ) KN m2
¿
EI
9
1200 x 10
¿ 3 9
80 x 10 x 10
¿ 0.015 radians
30
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Page 31